The list of institutions approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to employ or host Global Talent applicants was updated on 15 September 2026, with organisation names changed and one body added.
Key facts
- Who: Global Talent applicants relying on UKRI endorsement, and the institutions that employ or host them
- From: Updated 15 September 2026
- Source: UKRI endorsement: employing or hosting institutions (Global Talent visa)
Updates the previous version of the UKRI list of approved research organisations.
UK Visas and Immigration has updated the UKRI list of approved research organisations, published as an attachment to its guidance on UKRI endorsement for Global Talent. The list is dated 15 September 2026. The change note says that changes have been made to organisations' names and that an additional body has been added.
The change note does not identify which entries were changed or which body was added, so the current list itself is the place to check a particular institution.
The guidance says that if you are working at, or hosted by, an institution approved by UKRI, you may be eligible for Global Talent. The list sets out the UK organisations that UKRI accepts as able to employ or host an applicant who holds, or provides critical contributions to work supported by, an award or grant from an endorsed funder.
The guidance also states that applicants must hold a research grant or award from an approved endorsed funder. Being at a listed institution is therefore not enough on its own.
The list is arranged alphabetically, from A to Z and then 0–9. Some entries cover groups of bodies rather than single names. These include "all UK Higher education institutions" and "all NHS Trusts, Hospitals, Boards and GP Practises". Other entries cover named sets of centres, such as the Catapults.
What this means for applicants
Applicants who plan to rely on UKRI endorsement should check that their employing or hosting institution appears on the current list. They must also hold a research grant or award from an approved endorsed funder.
Related guide
Sources
- UKRI endorsement: employing or hosting institutions (Global Talent visa), GOV.UK, UK Visas and Immigration
- UKRI list of approved research organisations, GOV.UK, updated 15 September 2026